Discover Qatar, the destination management division of Qatar Airways Group, has set a new benchmark in stopover tourism by welcoming over 10,000 visitors in a single month. This remarkable feat, the highest since the relaunch of the Qatar Stopover Programme in August 2021, underscores the increasing global appeal of Qatar as a must-visit destination.

In January 2025, the programme saw an influx of more than 10,500 visitors, a significant rise from 6,651 recorded in January 2024. This surge represents an impressive 165% year-on-year growth between March 2024 and January 2025, highlighting the success of Qatar’s strategic tourism initiatives.

The demand for stopover packages has fueled an exceptional increase in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold in the first month of 2025 alone—double the numbers from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays has played a crucial role in this expansion, contributing to over a third of all stopover bookings, leveraging the extensive marketing reach of Qatar Airways across key international markets.

Frequent flyers of Qatar Airways are also embracing the stopover experience, with 20% of bookings made using Avios, the airline’s loyalty currency. Additionally, Privilege Club members continue to earn Avios and Qpoints with every transaction, further incentivizing travelers to explore Qatar during their transit.

Several factors have contributed to the programme’s growing success, including significant promotional support from Visit Qatar and targeted marketing campaigns spearheaded by Qatar Airways in key global markets. The initiative has seen strong demand from leading source countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the travel trade sector has played a vital role in its expansion, with substantial contributions from markets such as Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand. The programme’s broad appeal caters to both leisure and business travelers, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading travel hub.

This milestone further highlights the seamless travel experience offered at Hamad International Airport, named the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2024. With its blend of rich cultural heritage, modern luxury, and world-class infrastructure, Qatar continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for global travelers.

Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Mr. Steven Reynolds, said: “Qatar Stopover Programme is central to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 destinations and the outstanding travel experiences we offer, we have firmly established Qatar as a must-visit destination. At Discover Qatar, we are committed to delivering tailored packages that combine cultural discovery, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.”

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